Energy Security Called Into Question Post Brexit

The UK voted on June 23rd as to whether or not the country should stay in the EU and the people have spoken and the results are in – the UK is out of the EU, or will be in two years’ time once Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty has been invoked.

But what impact will this have on renewable energy in Cumbria and elsewhere around the country? Dr Nina Skorupska of the Renewable Energy Association (REA) has come out and said in response to the news that serious questions are now being raised over energy security, investor certainty and investment for the UK’s energy infrastructure.

She explained that the majority of REA members were concerned about Brexit and the organisation will now be consulting with both them and the government over the next few weeks to work out a plan for low carbon energy investment and deployment, as well as assurances over the 117,000 jobs in the industry.

“Energy policy must be a priority for the government now, with industry needing reassurance and ministerial clarity on priorities. The first in this list must be confirmation of the fifth carbon budget, which will hopefully give some confidence in the long-term direction of UK energy policy,” Dr Skorupska continued.

Craig Bennett from friends of the earth made further comments, saying that we have to now live with the result but the organisation is saddened by it, while chief executive of ClientEarth James Thornton added that he is disappointed, shocked and concerned about the future of the UK’s environmental protections.